The Evolution of Elite Gymnastics: How Simone Biles and Her Peers are Redefining the Sport

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, is still facing the perception that she is a young prodigy despite being 27 years old. As she prepares for the Olympics in Paris, she is joined by a team of older athletes, including 24-year-old Jade Carey and 23-year-old Jordan Chiles. The shift towards older athletes in gymnastics is a result of improved training, changes in NCAA rules, and a more athlete-centric culture in the sport.

The trend of older athletes in gymnastics is not unique to the United States, as international competitors like Rebeca Andrade and Sanne Wevers are also in their 20s and 30s. The shift towards older athletes is a reflection of a changing climate in the sport, where athletes are no longer told they are washed up in their late teens.

While the older generation of gymnasts is thriving, there are concerns about the next wave of athletes not being ready to push themselves to the top. Coaches like Laurent Landi believe that younger athletes may not understand the level of dedication and hard work required to succeed in the sport.

As Simone Biles and her peers continue to redefine the age at which gymnasts can compete at the highest level, the question remains: how long can they continue to push themselves before they reach their limits? For now, Biles is keeping quiet on whether Paris will be her final competition, but one thing is clear: the love for the sport is what drives these athletes to continue competing, regardless of age.